Ecuador & Galapagos Islands

The price covers all accommodation (mid‑range hotels and lodges), domestic flights within Ecuador and the round‑trip flight from Guayaquil to the Galápagos, all ground transportation (coach, ferry, motor‑boat and transfers), an English‑speaking guide for the entire itinerary, most meals (breakfast daily and the majority of lunches), entrance fees to the listed attractions, and the additional services such as chocolate‑making workshops and cultural performances. Personal expenses, optional activities, souvenirs and travel insurance are not included.

No. The tour price includes only the domestic flights inside Ecuador and the flight from Guayaquil to the Galápagos Islands. Travelers must arrange and pay for their own international flights to Quito (or another entry airport) and the return flight from Guayaquil to their home country.

Yes. Extras not covered are personal expenses such as drinks, tips for guides and drivers, optional excursions not listed in the itinerary, souvenirs, any visa or entry fees that may apply, and travel insurance. Some specialty meals or dietary requests may incur a small surcharge if they require special preparation.

Installment payments are available through our booking partner. Typically a 30 % deposit secures your place, with the remaining balance split into two equal payments before the departure date. Exact dates and payment methods are provided in the booking confirmation, and you can contact the reservations team for a customized plan.

Cancellations are handled according to the standard contract: a full refund (minus processing fees) is offered if you cancel at least 30 days before the start date; a 50 % refund is possible up to 14 days before departure; cancellations made within 14 days of the start date are non‑refundable. Any payments already made are returned according to these terms. Please review the specific cancellation clause in your booking agreement for exact details.

Travel insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. The tour includes activities such as boat trips, hiking and wildlife encounters, which can involve risks. A policy that covers medical emergencies, trip interruption, baggage loss and evacuation from the Galápagos is advisable. Some credit cards provide coverage, so check your existing policies before purchasing a separate plan.

Each day generally begins between 7:30 am and 8:30 am with breakfast, followed by guided excursions, transfers or flights as outlined in the itinerary. Mid‑day meals are usually provided as a packed lunch or at a local restaurant. Evenings are free for optional activities or rest, with dinner often arranged independently. Detailed daily timings are listed in the confirmed itinerary you receive after booking.

The initial meeting point is the lobby of the designated hotel in Quito, as specified in your booking confirmation (typically a centrally located hotel such as the Hotel Plaza Grande). If you arrive by air, a complimentary airport transfer will bring you to this hotel where the guide will welcome the group and conduct a brief orientation.

Domestic flights within Ecuador and to the Galápagos follow the standard airline allowance of one checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lb) and a carry‑on bag of up to 7 kg (15 lb). For boat transfers between islands, a small day‑pack (maximum 10 kg) is recommended. Excess weight may incur additional fees, so pack efficiently.

Yes. The tour includes private transfers from Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Airport to the hotel at the start of the trip, and from Guayaquil’s airport to the hotel at the end of the mainland portion. Transfers to the Galápagos include the flight from Guayaquil to Baltra, the ferry crossing to Santa Cruz and all subsequent boat movements between islands.

Most nationalities can enter Ecuador, including the Galápagos, as a tourist without a visa for stays up to 90 days. However, citizens of a few countries must obtain a visa in advance. You should verify the specific entry requirements for your passport on the Ecuadorian consular website or with your nearest embassy before booking.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. This is a standard requirement for most international travelers and is checked at the airport and when boarding the inter‑island flights.

A yellow fever vaccination is required only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you are traveling directly from Europe or North America, the vaccine is not mandatory, but many travelers choose to be vaccinated as a precaution. Bring your International Certificate of Vaccination if you have been vaccinated.

The itinerary is family‑friendly and includes activities that are appropriate for children aged eight and older, such as market visits, wildlife snorkeling, and cultural workshops. Some boat trips and short hikes involve uneven terrain, so younger children should be supervised. The guide can arrange child‑specific meals and provide extra assistance where needed.

A moderate level of fitness is sufficient. The program involves walking on paved streets, short hikes to viewpoints (e.g., Pailón del Diablo, Sibambe), and boat rides that may be a few hours long. Altitudes reach up to about 2,500 m in the highlands, so being able to walk 3–4 km per day at a comfortable pace is recommended.

Yes. The tour is designed for small groups, typically ranging from 12 to 16 participants, and is led by an English‑speaking guide who ensures safety and coordination throughout the trip. Solo travelers benefit from the group dynamic, shared experiences, and the support of the guide and local staff at each destination.

The tour covers Quito’s historic centre, the Otavalo market, the equatorial line at Quitsato, an Amazon lodge, Pailón del Diablo waterfall, Baños, the Devil’s Nose railway, Ingapirca ruins, Cuenca’s colonial architecture, Guayaquil’s waterfront, and in the Galápagos: Santa Cruz’s Los Gemelos craters and Charles Darwin Station, Isabela’s giant tortoise breeding centre, Concha y Perla bay, and Tintoreras Islet for snorkeling.

Yes. The schedule includes designated free periods, typically in the evenings of Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil, as well as a full free day on Santa Cruz Island. During these times you can explore local restaurants, shops or simply relax, while the guide remains available for recommendations.

For first‑time visitors, the tour offers a comprehensive introduction to both mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos, covering cultural highlights, natural wonders and iconic wildlife. The fully guided format removes the need to arrange permits, transport and local guides independently, making it a convenient and confidence‑building option for newcomers.

A guided tour handles all logistics—flight connections, inter‑island permits, local transportation, and knowledgeable guides at each site—saving you time and reducing stress. It also guarantees access to popular attractions that often require advance booking, such as the Charles Darwin Station and the giant tortoise centre. Additionally, the group rate typically lowers the overall cost compared with arranging each component separately.